Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP)

First off, apologies if this was already posted. I did do a search prior to posting and found nothing.

Just wondering if there is any value to this certification. Software development is one of the most unregulated fields out there since we have people who are expert programmers without having spent a single day in a college classroom, and on the other end, we have people that have Master's degrees who can't program if their life depended on it. Common sense would dictate any kind of certification shows some level of knowledge and competency, no?

I'm looking to break into Java development. I have no practical work experience with Java, though I am very familiar with the language from my undergraduate courses. Java is used extensively to teach OO in colleges. That is not good enough, especially in this tough market.

One or two people suggested getting this certification since it will at least tell the hiring manager that the person has a strong foundation in Java.

One or two people suggested getting this certification since it will at least tell the hiring manager that the person has a strong foundation in Java.

True, either you have a strong foundation in Java or your cramming abilities are good. An SCJP might as well not be able to program, but it's a prequisite for the SCJD, which really proves Java abilities IMHO.